Routine sampling of statewide drinking water systems uncovered trace amounts of some contaminants on Oahu and Kauai, but nothing that poses any threat, a state official said. State finds small
amounts of contaminants
in waterBy Helen Altonn
haltonn@starbulletin.comIn all cases the amounts were below maximum contaminant levels set by the Environmental Protection Agency, said Ann Zane, supervisor of the enforcement branch in the state Health Department's Safe Drinking Branch.
But the state is required to inform the public when chemicals are found in drinking water the first time, she said.
The chemicals include 1,2,3-trichloropropane left from fumigants used in pineapple fields; trichloroethylene, used for dry cleaning or metal cleaning; atrazine, remaining from sugar fields; and carbon tetrachloride. Zane said it is not known where the carbon tetrachloride is coming from, and this is being investigated.
It was once a popular household cleaning fluid and is found in solvents when pipes are joined together, she said.
The contaminants were found as follows:
>> Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Waipahu-Ewa-Waianae and Waipio Heights Systems: Trace amounts of TCP were detected from the Kunia Wells III, Pumps 1, 2 and 3 wells. Concentrations were 0.16 micrograms or parts per billion, 0.15 ppb and 0.15 ppb, respectively. The state maximum contaminant level is 0.8 ppb. The EPA does not regulate TCP. TCP also was found in Honolulu Waipio Heights Pump 2 well samples with a 0.25 ppb concentration, well below the federal maximum contaminant level of 0.8 ppb.
>> Wahiawa System: Trace amounts of TCE were confirmed between 0.2 and 0.5 ppb in samples from Wahiawa Wells 1 Pump 1 well. The federal and state maximum contaminant level for TCE is 5 ppb.
>> Waiawa Correctional Facility water system: Carbon tetrachloride was found between 0.2 and 0.5 ppb. The federal and state maximum contaminant level is 5 ppb.
>> Kauai Department of Water: Atrazine was confirmed in samples from the Kilohana Well C serving the Lihue water system. The concentration was 0.063 ppb, well below the state and federal maximum contaminant level of 3 ppb.